Comparison Between Omega and Ovation Concrete Countertop Sealer

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Creating a single statement about a comparison of concrete countertop sealers designed to be different from each other is difficult to do. The best way to appreciate the differences between Ovation and Omega is to read through all of the information available about each product on the product page and the FAQ page.

Here is a brief summary:

  • Omega is a professional grade sealer that requires precise mixing, a separate priming process, and provides extreme chemical resistance and stain protection. Ovation was formulated to be simple, easy to use for DIY concrete countertops, and offer good protection provided basic care is exercised.
  • Both protect your concrete, both can be used indoors and outdoors, and both are water based and are applied similarly.
  • Omega is color enhancing and has a matte sheen. Ovation provides very little color enhancement and has a satin sheen.
  • Omega stands up to harsh solvents, while Ovation can’t. Both resist red wine, lemon juice and vinegar, but Omega can stand up to them much longer.

The most obvious differences are in color enhancement/sheen and stain/acid resistance performance.

Color Enhancement and Sheen

  • Omega is very color enhancing, and its sheen is completely matte.
  • Ovation is only very slightly color enhancing, and its sheen is either satin or gloss.
  • Omega’s and Ovation’s sheen, color enhancement and performance properties can be combined. Click here for details.

This photo illustrates the color enhancement differences:

Omega vs Ovation concrete countertop sealer color enhancement

This photo illustrates the sheen differences:

concrete-countertop-sealer-sheen-Omega-Ovation-matte-satin-gloss

Stain and Acid Resistance

  • Omega is completely impervious to almost all substances for at least 24 hours. Here is a stain/acid resistance chart for Omega.

Stain-resistance-Omega-Concrete-Countertop-Sealer-sm

  • Ovation is designed to perform very well when spills are wiped up promptly. It resists most substances for at least 1 hour. Here is a stain/acid resistance chart for Ovation.

stain-resistance-Ovation-Concrete-Countertop-Sealer

When you look at the stain/acid resistance of Omega at 24 hours and Ovation at 1 hour, they look very similar.

This illustrates that simply by wiping up spills promptly, Ovation can provide excellent stain and acid resistance.

Omega-vs-Ovation-stain-test-1-hour

 

 

Complete List of Differences between Omega and Ovation

The following chart is a comprehensive list of the properties of the two sealers.

Omega Ovation
Sheen Matte Satin or Gloss
Color enhancement Substantial Very little
Stain resistance 24 hours+ 1 hour+
Acid resistance 24 hours+ 1 hour+
Solvent (acetone, isopropyl alcohol) resistance 24 hours+ Immediate damage possible
Abrasion resistance Excellent Very good
Heat resistance Excellent (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, 260 degrees Celsius) Poor (use trivets, do not place slow cooker on surface)
Cost for smallest size $129.99 $69.99
Coverage 133 – 267 sq ft depending on number of coats 50 – 100 sq ft for 4 coats, depending on porosity of concrete
Cost per sq ft $0.49 – $0.98 depending on number of coats $0.70 – $1.40 for 4 coats
Shelf life 6-9 months from the date of manufacture in unopened containers 2 years, undiluted or diluted (can be stored for touchups)
Repairability Good. See this article. Good. See this article.
Chemistry Water borne aliphatic polyurethane Water based hybrid polymer
Food safe once cured Yes Yes
Toxicity before curing HDI isocyanate (a reactive chemical used to create polyurethanes): Temporary or minor injury may occur. Ammonia (a naturally occurring compound and household cleaner): Irritation or minor reversible injury possible.
Cleaning Use mild, neutral pH detergent and soft cloth Use mild, neutral pH detergent and soft cloth
Outdoor use okay Yes, UV stable Yes, UV stable
Wet use okay Yes, with proper induction time as explained in instructions Yes, but Ovation is a breathable finish and may allow water to penetrate and darken underlying concrete
Components Part A and Part B mix 2:1, dilute with water 1:7 for primer and 1:1 for finish coats Single component, dilute with water 2:1
Induction time to wait once mixed 5 minutes (see instructions) None
Pot life once mixed/diluted 45 minutes 2 years (can be stored undiluted or diluted)
Coats required 1-2 primer coats and 3-4 finish coats for countertops. 1-2 primer coats and 1-2 finish coats for fireplace surrounds, wall panels, etc. 3-4 coats for countertops. 1-3 coats for fireplace surrounds, wall panels, etc.
Time between coats 15 minutes 30 – 60 minutes
Surface preparation Wet processing only, up to 400 grit Wet processing only, up to 400 grit
Application method Mix A:B, dilute 1:7 or 1:1 with water, induct. Spray and roll within 30 minutes. Dilute with water 2:1. Spray and roll.